Monday, March 11, 2019

Difference Between Straight Line And Reducing Balance Method

Difference Between Straight Line Method And Reducing Balance Method

The main dissimilarities or difference between straight line and reducing balance method of depreciation can be described as follows:

1. Introduction

Straight Line Method: Method of providing depreciation in which a fixed amount of depreciation is charged during the life time of asset.
Reducing Balance Method: Method of providing depreciation in which fixed percentage of depreciation is charged on the remaining book value of assets.

2. Also Known As

Straight Line Method: This method is also known as fixed installment method of providing depreciation.
Reducing Balance Method: It is  also called written down value method or diminishing balance method of providing depreciation.

3. Depreciation Amount

Straight Line Method: Depreciation amount is constant or fixed in each accounting period.
Reducing Balance Method: Percentage is fixed but depreciation amount decreases in every accounting period.

4. Simple Or Complex

Straight Line Method: This method is very simple to understand and easy to calculate the amount of depreciation.
Reducing Balance Method: This method is difficult to understand and complex to determine the amount of depreciation.
difference-straight-line-reducing-balance-method


5. Book Value

Straight Line Method: Book value of the asset will become zero after its useful life.
Reducing Balance Method: Book value of asset never becomes zero in this method.

   
Also Read: 

6. Suitable For

Straight Line Method: It is suitable for assets with minimum maintenance costs and having less chance of obsolescence
Reducing Balance Method: It is suitable for assets having high maintenance costs and high chance of obsolescence. 

7. Tax 

Straight Line Method: It is not accepted by tax authorities.
Reducing Balance Method: It is accepted by tax authorities.

Straight Line Vs Reducing Balance Method (Comparison Chart)

Basis

Straight Line
Reducing Balance
Introduction

Method of depreciation in which fixed amount is charged annually
Method of depreciation in which fixed percentage of depreciation is charged on the book value of assets
Also Known As

Fixed Installment Method
Diminishing balance method
Amount

Always Fixed
Decreases according to the book value
Simplicity

Yes
No, it is a complex method
Zero Book Value

Yes, after the useful life of an asset
Never becomes zero
Suitable For

Assets with less chance of obsolescence
Assets with high chance of obsolescence
Applicable For Tax

No
Yes

I hope this post is helpful to understand the difference between straight line method and reducing balance method of providing depreciation and to make comparison between them.